San Antonio’s best free workouts follow its creeks and its river. The city’s greenways run for miles of paved trail through creek-side woods, and the Mission Reach turns a walk into a tour of the city’s Spanish missions [1][2][3][4]. When you want weights, the city’s own fitness center costs $10 a month for adults [6]. Here’s where to go, and what’s closed right now.
At a glance
- Greenway hours
- Daily, sunrise to sunset [1]
- Salado Creek South
- 7.2 miles, Jack White Park to Southside Lions Park [2]
- Leon Creek North and Central
- 20 miles of paved trail [3]
- Mission Reach
- Missions about 2.5 miles apart; free entry [4][5]
- Barrera Community Fitness Center
- $10 a month or $120 a year for adults [6]
- Government Canyon
- $6 a day, 13 and older; closed some days for hunts [8][9]
The city’s Howard W. Peak Greenway Trails add up to about 105 miles with more than 80 main trailheads [1]. For the statewide picture, including San Antonio’s free Fitness in the Park classes, see BestTexas’s Working Out in Texas for Little or Nothing.
Salado Creek Greenway
The Salado Creek Greenway is built of asphalt and concrete and runs in two pieces [2]:
- North, Loop 1604 to Rittiman Road. Trailheads include Eisenhower Park, Phil Hardberger Park East, McAllister Park, Walker Ranch Park, Lady Bird Johnson Park, Oakwell, Robert Tobin Park and Voelcker Homestead [2]. Expect pecan and live oak shade, limestone cliffs and several low-water crossings [2].
- South, 7.2 miles from Jack White Park to Southside Lions Park, past Martin Luther King Park, under tall hardwoods along the creek [2].
A loop from a park trailhead, out 15 minutes and back, makes an easy 30-minute walk.
Leon Creek Greenway
On the west side, the Leon Creek Greenway has 20 miles of paved trail in its north and central sections, with trailheads at Valero, Bamberger Park, O.P. Schnabel Park, Tezel and VIA’s Ingram Road Transit Center, where buses stop right at the trail [3]. Farther south, the 2.6-mile loop at Levi Strauss Park (Levi Strauss and Arvil trailheads) has outdoor fitness stations, and a 1.5-mile segment runs from Pearsall Park toward Quintana Road [3].
The Mission Reach
The Mission Reach Hike and Bike Trail follows the San Antonio River and connects all five San Antonio missions: the Alamo, Mission Concepción, Mission San José, Mission San Juan and Mission Espada. Each is about 2.5 miles from the next [4]. Paved paths along the river are reserved for walkers, the trail is out-and-back, not a loop, and the National Park Service calls it an easy walk or ride suitable for children [4].
San Antonio Missions National Historical Park charges no entrance fee [5]. The Park Service warns that summer temperatures often top 103 degrees, so bring plenty of water and sunscreen, and wear a helmet if you ride [4].
A first goal: walk from Mission Concepción to Mission San José and back, about 5 miles by the Park Service’s spacing.
Barrera Community Fitness Center
The City’s Enrique Barrera Community Fitness Center, at 5800 Historic Old Hwy. 90, has a weight room, exercise equipment and classes such as Spin, Cardio Kickboxing and Weight Training [6].
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Youth, 12 to 17 | $30 a year |
| Adults, 18 and older | $120 a year or $10 a month |
| Seniors, 60 and older | $25 a year |
The City also runs free Fitness in the Park and Mobile Fit classes citywide, and has outdoor fitness stations in parks [10]. Two community centers are closed for now: Ramon V. Quintero until about mid-December and Father Roman until further notice [7].
Government Canyon State Natural Area
On the north side of San Antonio, Government Canyon State Natural Area protects a 13,000-acre wilderness and has more than 40 miles of trails across grasslands and canyon country, including a five-mile hike to dinosaur tracks [8]. Entry is $6 a day for anyone 13 and older and free for children 12 and under; the $70 Texas State Parks Pass covers a year [9]. It often fills up, so reserve a day pass [8].
How much to aim for
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines for Americans call for adults to get at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week [12]. One San Antonio week: three 30-minute brisk walks on the Salado Creek Greenway and a 60-minute walk on the Mission Reach on the weekend (150 minutes), plus two strength sessions at the Barrera center or a Leon Creek fitness station.
Gear that helps
You don’t need equipment for any of the workouts above. If you want a little help, these are inexpensive and widely used. We chose them from the makers’ listings; we haven’t tested them ourselves.
Best for: Strength work at home or in a park
Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
Five color-coded 12-inch loop bands, from extra light to extra heavy, that add resistance to squats, bridges and arm work at home or in a park, and fold into the included carry bag. [13]
- 5 bands, 5 resistance levels (extra light to extra heavy) [13]
- 12-inch loops [13]
- Carry bag and illustrated exercise guide included [13]
- Made of latex [13]
Watch out: Latex: skip these if you have a latex allergy.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Floor exercises and stretching
Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
A thick foam mat that cushions knees and wrists for floor exercises, stretching and core work on a hard floor or in the grass, with a strap to carry it to the park. [14]
- 1/2 inch thick NBR foam [14]
- About 74 x 24 inches [14]
- Elastic carrying strap [14]
- Hand wash only [14]
Watch out: Thick and soft, so it is less stable for balance-heavy yoga poses.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Best for: Early-morning and evening walks and runs
Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
A light, adjustable reflective sash that makes you easier for drivers to see on early-morning and evening walks, runs and bike rides. [15]
- Cross-body design, reflective all the way around [15]
- Two pads for clip-on LED lights (lights not included) [15]
- Adjusts from XS to XL [15]
- Quick-release buckle [15]
Watch out: Reflective only: add a clip-on light if you walk or run where there are no streetlights.
See it on Amazon → We chose it from specs and safety records; we haven't tested it ourselves.
Sources
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Greenway Trails
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Salado Creek Greenway
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Leon Creek Greenway
- National Park Service, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Hike and Bike Trail
- National Park Service, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park: Fees & Passes
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Barrera Community Fitness Center
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Closures
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Government Canyon State Natural Area
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Government Canyon State Natural Area entrance fees
- City of San Antonio Parks and Recreation: Fitness
- Texas Parks and Wildlife: Government Canyon State Natural Area park alerts
- U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (health.gov), Top 10 Things to Know About the Physical Activity Guidelines
- Amazon listing: Fit Simplify Resistance Loop Exercise Bands, Set of 5
- Amazon listing: Amazon Basics 1/2-Inch Extra Thick Exercise Yoga Mat with Carrying Strap
- Amazon listing: Amphipod Xinglet Reflective Sash (Hi-Viz)
Common questions
Where can I walk or run for free in San Antonio?
The city's greenway trails, including Salado Creek and Leon Creek, are free and open daily from sunrise to sunset. The Mission Reach hike and bike trail along the San Antonio River links the five Spanish missions, about 2.5 miles apart, and San Antonio Missions National Historical Park charges no entrance fee.
How much is a membership at the Barrera Community Fitness Center?
$30 a year for ages 12 to 17, $120 a year or $10 a month for adults, and $25 a year for seniors 60 and older. It covers the weight room, exercise equipment and certain fitness classes.
Is the Leon Creek Greenway closed?
Parts of it. As of November 2026, the City lists the section north of the Valero Trailhead to the Rim, including the Loop 1604 section, as closed until mid-2027 for TxDOT construction, and the Marquis Trailhead area near I-10 as closed until further notice. Check the City's closures page before you go.
How much exercise should adults get?
The federal Physical Activity Guidelines call for at least 150 to 300 minutes of moderate-intensity aerobic activity a week, plus muscle-strengthening activity on at least two days a week.